Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are trying to cash in on the rise of social commerce, yet they seem to be missing the point, says Peter Jenkinson
THE phrase social commerce, aka social shopping, should really do exactly what it says on the tin; enhance your online shopping experience by replicating your high street experience as much as it can.
The Facebook and Twitter "buy" buttons might be a bit too blatant for that, but it is easy to see why they're trying to muscle in.
In the US there are multiple platforms adding value to an online shop, creating an environment where you and your friends have your own personal high street and recommend stuff to each other and flag up deals. While they started in the fashion and beauty sectors, their presence is now a powerful force across multiple categories.
Sites such as Wanelo and Pinterest allow you to build collections of things you want, a virtual shopping wish list, if you like. Similarly, places such as Luvocracy offer low levels rewards for making recommendations, and others like Etsy and outgrow.me specialise in certain sectors (handmade and recently launched crowd funded projects).
There does however seem to be another way for the social shopping scene to make an even bigger impact. It is a straightforward and very basic model that's arrived in the UK and which pays you for making recommendations.
Newly launched haveyouseen.com works with over 3,000 retailers where you can make recommendations to others and - this being the very clever bit - by being an active member you gain points, the more points you amass meaning the more extensive your earnings can be. Money can potentially be earned up to six levels away too, so when the people recommended go and re-recommend, your bank balance is being still boosted.
Getting paid for what you're already doing is how they sell it, and why not? Websites have been paying out affiliate fees for years now, and all that changes is that the consumer gets the cash.
FEATURE PRESENTATION
For anyone who has had to suffer the pain of sitting through a powerpoint presentation, the person giving it overusing all the effects and added sounds, then relief is finally here. Jump over to prezi.com and relish in the huge number of highly visual and entertaining plans in which to insert your words and pictures. No more bored in the boardroom.
WINDOW CLEANER
Microsoft revealed this week that its next operating system will be named Windows 10, not entirely thrilling but interesting that they bypassed Windows 9. This is most likely because they want to create some daylight between the new OS and version 8, which came in for criticism when it made many users alter the way they interacted with their devices. The new system is an attempt to emphasise their shift in focus towards the internet on mobile devices.
DRONE DELIVERY
The German post office beat both Google and Amazon this week by launching their drone delivery service. Deutsche Post AG, Europe's largest postal service will begin deliveries of medication and other urgent goods to the island of Juist using the unmanned "parcelcopter" will run a six week trial service after securing approval from air traffic authorities and local/regional government.
BROWSING AROUND
Learn to draw, pencil and paper is all you'll need - drawspace.com
Get more daylight when there's none outside - sad.org.uk
All manner of bulbs to make your life brighter - www.ledhut.co.uk
Brighten your afternoon with a healthy snack delivery - graze.com
Useful and interesting information all about time, ahead of the big clock shift - timeanddate.com
THING OF THE WEEK
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